Block of the Month -- March, 2007
“Floral Bear Claw”
(Note: The Bear Claw blocks were raffled at the April, 2007 BVQ meeting. There was no block published for April, 2007.)
Block Size -- 9" x 9" finished (9½" x 9½" with seam allowance)
Use florals/prints in spring colors for the Bear Paw.
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Fabric: |
Cut Directions: |
| Bear Paw |
Floral or print |
(2) -- 3 7/8" squares
(1) -- 6½" square |
| Background |
Light solid or print |
(2) -- 3 7/8" squares
(1) -- 3½" square |
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Step 1. On wrong side of assorted print 3 7/8" squares, draw diagonal line with marking tool of choice. Place on same size background square right sides together. Sew 1/4" seam on each side of marked line. Cut apart on marked line, press toward the darker fabric and trim dog ears to make half-square triangle squares.
Step 2. Referring to diagram, arrange and sew together 4 matching pieced squares with matching 3 1/2" and 6 1/2" squares to make Bear's Paw block.
Need an idea for setting the block in a quilt? Try Debbie Caffrey's "Beary Baskets" pattern. You can download a free pattern in .pdf format from her website, www.debbiescreativemoments.com. Note that Debbie's pattern makes a 4½" bear claw block, half the size of the one presented here. To use the basket setting, you'll need to increase the size of the basket and background rectangles in Debbie's pattern accordingly: subtract 1/2" from the measurements provided in Debbie's pattern, multiply the resulting dimentions by 2 and add back the 1/2" seam allowance. The larger basket size would be perfect for a bed quilt!
Keep in mind:
Use 100% cotton fabrics for the block.
Wash the fabrics before cutting the quilt pattern. Do not use fabrics that bleed or run.
Stitch all seams ¼".
Press seams toward the dark fabric unless the pattern dictates otherwise.
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